2017 Chevrolet Camaro 1LE

The Camaro 1LE made its maiden debut in 1988 and 11 years later the vehicle was discontinued due to low sales (the vehicle rarely sold more than 100 units).

Not giving up, the automaker re-launched the vehicle in 2013 as an optional package to the 1SS and 2SS trims. Now the automaker is set to release a new version of the car for the 2017 model year.

2017 Chevrolet Camaro 1LE Exterior

The new 2017 Chevrolet Camaro 1LE has some significant exterior profile differences from its SS sibling. Although the testing mule was under heavy camouflage, it was clear that the vehicle was not a regular Camaro. However, the vehicle features much from the Camaro. To start with, its front and rear bumpers are identical to the Camaro SS.

However, at the back, the 1LE has replaced the petite wings of the Camaro SS with a gurney-style spoiler. Other distinguishing features include high-performance wheels of 20-inch diameter, front and rear stabilizer bars and a high-capacity fuel pump as well as rear shock mounts. We also expect to see a matt-black hood finish and a blacked-out exterior.

2017 Chevy Camaro Spy Photo

2017 Chevrolet Camaro 1LE Interior

The interior is still a mystery. The vehicle captured testing was under heavy camouflage meaning it was impossible to have a peak at its cabin.

However, we expect the styling of the cabin to be similar to the SS. The vehicle is thus likely to feature a flat-bottomed steering wheel, an 8-inch display integrated with MyLink infotainment system and an 8-inch instruments cluster to replace the current analog gauges.

Other likely standard features will include a short-throw shifter, a rear view camera, blind spot monitoring, a forward collision alert, rear parking sensors and up-to-date connectivity features such as Bluetooth, USB ports and Smartphone integration. The vehicle will also have an up-to-date premium audio system. The coupe will accommodate four passengers.

Engine Specs and Performance

The 2017 1LE will borrow its engine specs from the SS. The unit is a naturally aspirated 6.2 L, V-8 engine and 3.6-liter V-6 . The V8 engine comes good with 455 hp, an improvement from the outgoing model’s 426 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque, 35 hp more form the outgoing model, V6 have 335-horsepower.

Unlike the SS Camaro whose engine is paired to 8L90, 8-speed automatic transmission, the 1LE engine will be mated only to a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The engine powers the 1LE to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds and 12.5 seconds to run a quarter mile. It has a top speed of 115 mph. In terms of fuel economy, the car is estimated to deliver 16 mpg in city and 24 mpg on highway drives.

Price and release date

It’s still early days to expect official price and release date details from the automaker. However, going with what the company did with the predecessor models, the 1LE Performance Package will add around $ 3,500 to its sibling Camaro SS.

With the new models of the SS starting MSRP from $ 37,295, we can therefore safely assume that the vehicle will have a starting price of around $ 40,500.

Competition

Ford is not releasing its Mustang Boss 302 for 2016 model year leaving the 1LE with only one rival that can match up to the 1LE. This challenger is the 2016 Dodge Challenger 392 Hemi Scat Pack Shaker.